Ford government is allowing class sizes to increase in Hamilton’s schools during the pandemic

$9 billion of unspent COVID-19 funds should be used for smaller, safer classes

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain) has demanded to know why the Ford government is allowing class sizes in Hamilton’s public schools to increase during the second wave of COVID-19. This week, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board announced that it will be eliminating 200 teachers and collapsing classes.

“As cases of COVID-19 once again rise across the province, class sizes in Hamilton’s public school board are increasing. For months, families have been begging this government to take COVID-19 seriously and reduce class sizes. Instead, this government spent the summer on a victory tour, while boards were scrambling to make sure schools were safe. Now we’re seeing the consequences of the government’s inaction,” said Taylor during question period Wednesday at the Ontario legislature.

“Why is this government allowing Hamilton's class sizes to increase during this rise in COVID-19 cases?,” Taylor asked the premier.

Taylor says the Ford government is sitting on $9 billion of COVID-19 support money, and millions in federal return-to-school funding, but Hamilton’s public school board is facing a deficit this year. Now teacher positions are being eliminated and class sizes are going up. On Monday, Board trustees passed a motion to request more funding from the Ford government.

“This government has the power to ensure Hamilton’s students have safer and smaller classes, but is instead choosing to save money on the backs on Hamilton’s students,”

“Why won’t this government support Hamilton’s public education system?,” asked Taylor.